from δαπάνη; to expend, i.e. (in a good sense) to incur cost, or (in a bad one) to waste:--be at charges, consume, spend.
Transliteration:dapanáō
Pronunciation:dap-an-ah'-o
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb G1159 δαπανάω (dapanáō) is derived from the noun `{{G1158}}` δαπάνη (dapanē), meaning "cost" or "expense." At its core, δαπανάω signifies the act of expending, spending, or incurring cost. Its semantic range is notably broad, encompassing both morally neutral or positive applications and decidedly negative ones. In a neutral or positive sense, it refers to the legitimate outlay of money or resources for a specific purpose, implying necessary expenditure or investment. Conversely, in a negative sense, it denotes wasteful spending, squandering, or consuming resources extravagantly and without good purpose, often driven by selfish desires. The context is crucial for discerning the precise nuance of its usage.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The New Testament employs G1159 δαπανάω in a few distinct contexts, illustrating its dual semantic range:
* **Negative/Wasteful Expenditure:**
* In the parable of the prodigal son, [[Luke 15:14]] states that "when he had spent (δαπανήσαντος) everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need." Here, the verb clearly denotes reckless squandering of inherited wealth on frivolous living, leading to destitution.
* [[James 4:3]] uses the term in a condemnatory manner: "You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it (δαπανήσητε) on your passions." This highlights the misuse of prayer and resources, seeking them not for God's glory or righteous purposes, but to indulge selfish desires and sensual pleasures.
* **Positive/Purposeful Expenditure:**
* [[Acts 21:24]] describes James' instruction to Paul concerning four men who had a Nazirite vow: "Take these men and purify yourself along with them and pay their expenses (δαπάνησον) so that they may shave their heads." This usage is neutral to positive, referring to the legitimate and necessary financial support for a religious rite, demonstrating a willingness to bear costs for the sake of communal harmony and avoiding offense.
* Perhaps the most profound usage is found in [[2 Corinthians 12:15]], where Paul declares his unwavering commitment to the Corinthian believers: "I will most gladly spend and be spent (δαπανήσω καὶ ἐκδαπανηθήσομαι) for your souls." Here, δαπανάω is intensified by the compound verb `{{G2029}}` ἐκδαπανάω (ekdapanáō) (to spend utterly, exhaust oneself). This signifies not merely financial expenditure, but a complete and willing self-sacrificial giving of his entire being—his time, energy, resources, and even his very life—for the spiritual welfare of others. It embodies the ultimate act of love and devotion in ministry.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **Root Noun:** `{{G1158}}` δαπάνη (dapanē) (cost, expense) is the direct root, emphasizing the financial or resource-based aspect of the verb.
* **Intensified Form:** `{{G2029}}` ἐκδαπανάω (ekdapanáō) (to spend utterly, to be utterly spent) appears alongside δαπανάω in [[2 Corinthians 12:15]], underscoring a complete and exhaustive expenditure, particularly of oneself.
* **Similar Concept (Luke 10:35):** `{{G4337}}` προσδαπανάω (prosdapanáō) (to spend in addition) is used by the Good Samaritan, showing an incremental expenditure.
* **Thematic Connections:** The concept of δαπανάω intersects with biblical themes such as:
* **Stewardship:** How one manages and utilizes resources entrusted by God.
* **Sacrifice:** The act of giving up something valuable for a higher purpose, especially for God or others.
* **Generosity:** Willingness to give freely.
* **Selfishness/Indulgence:** The opposite of prudent or sacrificial spending, leading to moral and spiritual decay.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of G1159 δαπανάω lies in its stark portrayal of how resources—be they material, temporal, or personal—are employed, thereby revealing the heart's true allegiance. When used negatively, as in [[Luke 15:14]] and [[James 4:3]], it serves as a cautionary tale against the spiritual bankruptcy that results from squandering God-given provisions on fleeting pleasures and selfish desires. This highlights a fundamental theological principle: our possessions and even our lives are not our own but are entrusted to us by God, demanding responsible and God-honoring stewardship.
Conversely, the positive uses of δαπανάω illuminate the virtues of generosity and self-sacrifice. [[Acts 21:24]] demonstrates a practical application of Christian charity and consideration for others' consciences. Most profoundly, Paul's declaration in [[2 Corinthians 12:15]] elevates the concept of "spending" to a profound theological height. It embodies the essence of Christ-like ministry, where the minister not only expends financial or physical resources but utterly pours out their very being for the spiritual edification and salvation of others. This reflects the ultimate divine expenditure—God giving His Son for the world—and calls believers to a similar posture of total dedication and self-emptying love in service to the Gospel. Thus, δαπανάω becomes a lens through which to examine our priorities, revealing whether our lives are being spent in service to self or in sacrificial devotion to God and His kingdom.
### Summary
G1159 δαπανάω (dapanáō) is a versatile Greek verb meaning "to expend" or "to spend." Its core meaning carries a dual potential: it can describe the legitimate and necessary incurrence of costs, as seen in [[Acts 21:24]], or the profound act of self-sacrificial giving, exemplified by Paul's commitment in [[2 Corinthians 12:15]]. Conversely, it powerfully conveys the negative consequences of wasteful or self-indulgent expenditure, leading to ruin as demonstrated by the prodigal son in [[Luke 15:14]] and the misguided prayers in [[James 4:3]]. The word thus serves as a critical indicator of stewardship, highlighting whether one's resources—and indeed one's very life—are being used prudently for God's purposes or squandered on fleeting, selfish desires. Its usage in the New Testament underscores the profound theological implications of how we "spend" our lives and resources, ultimately reflecting our devotion and priorities.
TRV